It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.
The secret is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.
With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Out of the House
When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.
While Sleeping
When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Hodgenville home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
- Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Hodgenville is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Hodgenville can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
- Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
- Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
- Check your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.